Prenatal workouts are different yoga poses and workouts designed for pregnant women. Pregnancy is the time of exciting changes in a woman's body. It is a miracle that takes place inside every woman and there is definitely a thrill of uncertainty associated with it. Being pregnant can be physically challenging, but you should be prepared to enjoy this miracle. Practising yoga helps the expectant mothers to relax and keep calm, make them aware of the various physical changes taking place in their body and prepare them for a smooth labor. It also helps the foetus to grow healthily.
Usually, the prenatal workouts are divided according to the three trimesters. During the first trimester, simple standing poses are advisable as it helps to strengthen and tone the muscles of your legs. Along with this, stretching and breathing techniques are also practised. During the second and last trimester, poses from seated hip stretches and prenatal sun salutations are recommended as it will give more flexibility and eases the childbirth process. However, it is important to take care not to overdo any of these workouts as that may lead to complications.
The prenatal workouts include the following sequences.
In addition to these prenatal workouts or asanas, expectant women are also encouraged to practice pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and yoga nidra. Practising these methods helps pregnant women to relax, invigorates their body and mind and rejuvenates their inner spirit. However, it is always better to consult the gynaecologist before beginning to practice yoga during pregnancy to rule out any problems or complications. Also it is equally important to practice yoga under the guidance of an expert who conducts prenatal yoga classes.